"The statute is very hard to use because of its ambiguous language," said Jessamy, who is leading the push for tougher anti-gang laws. "We find ourselves defending the law more than using it."

Civil liberties groups and public defenders are opposing new anti-gang legislation, which they say would fill already crowded state prisons at a time when legislative analysts have suggested reducing incarceration as a cost-cutting measure. They say prevention and intervention are more effective ways to combat gangs.